Scotland's manager, Craig Levein, is adamant that a solid formation is the best way to get results. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images

Craig Levein has launched a vigorous defence of his tactical approach with the national team, the Scotland manager pointing out that he will not bow to pressure from pundits or supporters to adopt an attacking style.

Levein has been angered by criticism of his side's 4‑5-1 formation during the scoreless draw in Lithuania on Friday. The manager, known for his pragmatic tactics with club sides, claimed that a back-to-basics method is necessary to revive his country's ailing fortunes. "I just think there is a general carping going on," he said of the comments. "It does not bother me. I am quite open [about] what I am trying to do. If I do not get results then I will be out on my arse anyway."

Whatever else will be said of Levein's tenure, it promises to be colourful. Within the space of four days the match referee in Lithuania, the Lithuania team, the Liechtenstein FA and now his own detractors have been publicly berated.

"There are reasons for saying that the way to get results is through solidity," Levein added. "We've had notions in the past where we are going to play people off the pitch, but if we are going to get anywhere over a period of time then we have to get the absolute best out of all the players. There is work to be done and this is the way I do things.

"I assume the people who gave me the job thought this was what was needed to be done. If they want somebody to come in and get the team winning 5-0 in every game, then I am not sure if José Mourinho is available. I'm not making any excuses or apologies for what I am trying to do here. This is what I think is the best way of getting results." Levein believes there is a wholly unnecessary fixation on the importance of systems and tactics. Liechtenstein, ranked No141 in the world and who suffered a 4-0 defeat at home to the World Cup winners and European champions Spain on Friday evening, visit Hampden Park – a game that will ironically see Levein revert to 4-4-2 – and the manager feels that the work ethic of his players is more important than which formation they play in.

"We have this fascination with the 4‑4‑2 system; that all it means is that 4-4-2 is attacking, and that if you don't play 4-4-2, then you're not attacking," he said. "I don't know where it comes from. If you look at international football, and even club football throughout the world, nobody plays with two strikers."

Levein was, in fact, content with his team's showing in Lithuania. There, he made the bold move of dropping James McFadden — an icon for the Tartan Army — and leaving the prolific Kris Boyd amongst his substitutes for the entire game.

"Everybody assumes that if you put James McFadden, Charlie Adam, Kris Boyd and Graham Dorrans in your team then you are going to win," Scotland's manager explained.

"People say, 'well, it's obvious- if you put all these guys in your team then we are going to win the game.' But you are more likely to lose the ball.

"The counter-argument is that one of the reasons why Lithuania only had one shot on target all night was because of the work-ethic of my whole team."

If all eyes may be on Levein's methods tomorrowevening, some attention should be diverted towards Darren Fletcher. The Manchester United man will win his 50th cap and in doing so he becomes the 26th player to enter Scotland's international hall of fame. There will be no memento of the achievement in the midfielder's household, however.

"It's a nice moment when you reach these milestones," said the Scotland captain. "To be honest, my primary concern is the points and winning the game rather than me winning my 50th cap. I don't keep any of my medals on display. My mum has them all. I'm not one for having things on display and if you came to my house you would have no idea I was a footballer. There are no strips or medals, or anything like that."

Fletcher also stuck to Scotland's party line over the perils of treating Liechtenstein lightly. "Any time you expect a comfortable win it doesn't happen that way. You have no divine right to win any football match," he said. "We'll go to win the game. We are expected to win so the pressure is on us, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's a given. If you go in with that attitude, you can get a bad result."